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20 Reasonsto Explore Minnesota

Discover some of the many reasons to explore Minnesota, listed here in no particular order.

1. Charming Towns

Expect a dose of “Say cheese!” as visitors hit Bemidji’s lakeshore, where historic statues of Babe the Big Blue Ox and Paul Bunyan loom large. Step into the visitor center, and you’ll see his alleged baby shoe and other souvenirs of legendary size. Even beyond folklore, you can bet on a lot of big things in this northwest part of the state.

2. Wonderful Sounds

If you grow up in New York or LA, you might reasonably imagine the way to get a foothold in the music business is to be discovered by an industry rep. As a kid growing up in South Minneapolis, Dessa remembers singing at the grocery store, hoping that a man in a grey suit might discover her, a little diamond in the dry goods.

3. Spring Babies at the Zoo

Springtime is an exciting time in Minnesota. The weather warms up, the waterways open, and the flowers start to bloom. It's also a busy time for zoos in Minnesota welcome baby animals and hold special events to kick off the new season.

4. Must-Try Airport Eats

Airport dining has evolved, and we're all better for it. Restaurants that emphasize creative use of high-quality (and often local) ingredients are starting to take over the concourses at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

5. River Town Romance

There’s little that rekindles romance like a cozy B&B room at the end of the day exploring the sights together. The river towns of southeast Minnesota are ideal for that sort of getaway. The region offers several easy river town escapes, perfect for a weekend packed with activities, or an easy-does-it unwinding together.

6. Educational Attractions

Opportunities for educational travel abound in Minnesota, with museums of all types, historic sites and monuments among the many options. Whether your kids are into history, science, art or world cultures, they'll find a place that expands their minds -- even if they're having too much fun to notice.

7. Scenic Byways

This serene drive in pastoral Otter Tail county visits the forests and lakes of Maplewood State Park and Glendalough State Park, a scenic overlook at Inspiration Peak, and the 1889 Phelps Mill and millpond.

8. Pro Sports Teams

There's no shortage of sports teams to cheer in Minnesota, from professional leagues to college teams to local clubs. Whether you love NBA basketball, NCAA hockey or roller derby, you can watch top athletes compete at venues around the state.

9. Homegrown Souvenirs

Sure, you know Minnesota’s got lakes. And pine trees. And snow. But one of the state’s best-kept secrets is our style—and where to get it. In the Minneapolis-St. Paul area alone, a plethora of locally owned boutiques and shops share the Minnesota love by supporting local artists, designers, crafters and makers.

10. Romantic Restaurants

The link between food and love may be ancient, but it continues to thrive in modern times right here in the Upper Midwest. Wherever you travel in Minnesota, there's likely to be a romantic culinary getaway awaiting you. Here are nine of the many delicious options.

11. One Really Cool Airport

The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is considered among the best in the country, and was recently called "the best two-hour layover in the U.S." by Men’s Journal. Get there early or spend some time after you land to discover any or all of these 10 highlights.

12. Meet Minnesota's Fish

Minnesota’s great fishing starts with its many diverse bodies of water. The moniker “Land of 10,000 Lakes”—a considerable understatement—only hints at that variety. In fact, the state has more shoreline than California, Florida and Hawaii combined.

13. Great State Parks

Five Minnesota state parks provide campers and day trippers the perfect entry point to the pleasures of the St. Croix River. Canoeing and kayaking are perhaps the strongest attraction at many of these parks, but they also offer great hiking, biking, horseback trails and campsites, and all manners of wildlife watching.

14. Craft Beer Galore

For years, domestic beer was viewed as wine's lowbrow cousin, suitable for drinking during sporting events or cookouts, and little else. The craft brew revolution has turned that thinking on its head, and the past five to 10 years have seen an explosion in artisan beer production in Minnesota.

15. Light Rail Transit

Minneapolis and St. Paul have a lot of connections: The Mississippi River flows through them both, their residents root for the same sports teams, and their museums and theaters are world class. Now, they’re also physically connected by the Metro Green Line light rail, which runs between Minneapolis’ Target Field and St. Paul’s Union Depot.

17. Shopping Itinerary

18. Get Away to a Resort

It's a Minnesota classic: a comfy lakeside cottage, a chance to go fishing, play in the water, listen to the loons call across the lake, watch the sun set, roast marshmallows, point out galaxies in the starry sky. A resort is a place to get away from it all and reconnect with family and friends.

19. Wonderful Wildlife

Wildlife sanctuaries dedicated to wolves, bears and eagles offer fun and education for animal lovers of all ages. Plan a trip to the International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center in Ely, the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary near Orr, and the National Eagle Center in Wabasha.

20. Intriguing Heritage

Ojibwe (or Anishinaabe) and Dakota (Sioux) heritage figure strongly in Minnesota’s past and its present. Here are some of the best places to admire tribal artistry, learn about their histories, and appreciate their cultures through storytelling and music.

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AnneMN Expert since 2003

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